The festival has been running for 17 years, celebrating the region’s fishing heritage and vibrant food culture. At its height, the event drew crowds of more than 60,000 visitors to Weymouth Harbour. While the pandemic forced the festival to adapt to a new site and ticketed format, that change helped keep it alive through difficult times.

Pippa Gibb, Director Dorset Seafood Festival commented: “We’ve wanted to bring the festival back to the harbour for a long time, and 2026 is the year we can finally do it. It’s where it belongs, and we’re incredibly proud to make this happen. We’re starting small, but with the community’s support, we can grow it again and keep it thriving.”

The 2026 return marks an important milestone. With the recent support of Dorset Council, the festival can finally return to the harbour, something the community has wanted for years. This partnership has given the festival the foundation it needs to make its long-awaited homecoming a reality.

Cllr Richard Biggs, Dorset Council’ Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Property and Assets and Economic Growth said: “The Dorset Seafood Festival has long been part of what makes Weymouth special, and it’s great to see it returning to the harbour. It brings in £3.5million to the local economy so it is important that we support the festival’s homecoming and to work alongside the organisers to bring it back to the heart of the town.”

The festival will initially take place on a smaller scale around the harbour near Weymouth Peninsula. This is a necessary first step to rebuild sustainably and safely, following the harbour’s redevelopment. Festival Directors Sophie Kermani and Pippa Gibb who live and work in Weymouth and have been involved with the event since 2012. They previously worked in a PR capacity for the event which has regularly been listed in The Times, The Telegraph, Conde Nast Traveller, CNN, BBC Good Food and countless more publications as one of the ‘Top 10 Food Festivals in the UK’. More recently the pair have become festival directors determined to bring the festival back home to the harbour and free for all.

The Dorset Seafood Festival has always relied on community spirit, and that remains true today. With free entry returning, organisers are appealing for local backing to help the event grow year on year.

Sophie Kermani, Director Dorset Seafood Festival commented: “We’re asking local people and businesses to get behind it, come along, and support what has always been one of Weymouth’s proudest events. If you’re a business looking to get involved, there are fantastic sponsorship opportunities available. As PR professionals, we know how to make those partnerships work hard for our sponsors. The festival’s media reach has always been phenomenal, and this year will be no exception.”

For sponsorship, trade or press enquiries, please contact: Sophie@dorsetseafood.co.uk For more information, visit www.dorsetseafood.co.uk or follow us Facebook Dorset Seafood Festival or on Instagram @dorsetseafoodfest